{"id":2984,"date":"2022-11-30T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.regplates.com\/blog\/?p=2984"},"modified":"2023-02-08T08:52:29","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T08:52:29","slug":"is-your-car-ready-for-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.regplates.com\/blog\/2022\/11\/30\/is-your-car-ready-for-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Is your car ready for winter?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The winter solstice takes place on 21st<\/sup> December and it\u2019s already very wet and chilly. Unfortunately it\u2019s going to get a lot colder before the weather begins to warm up, so we\u2019ve put together a checklist to ensure that your car is ready for winter. As well as helping you to keep your car in full working order, these tips are also designed to make driving safer during the frosty months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book a winter service<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unless you\u2019ve very recently had your car checked over by a qualified mechanic, we recommend booking a winter service. This is a great way to have a professional look over the vehicle and identify any minor issues that could potentially grow into larger problems when the temperature drops and the roads become slippery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check your car\u2019s battery<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The average car battery can last for anywhere from three to five years and it\u2019s easy to lose track of time. If your car battery is nearing the end of its lifecycle, it\u2019s important to buy a replacement now. After all, breaking down during the summer months is annoying enough, never mind when the weather is bleak and blustery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antifreeze is a must<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Good old antifreeze does all kinds of wonderful things for a car. As well as stopping the water in your engine\u2019s cooling system from freezing when the thermometer dips below zero, it also increases the boiling point of engine coolant to prevent it from overheating, supports efficient heat transfer for higher performance, and makes corrosion within the engine far less likely. Remember to never leave the house without antifreeze (unless of course you\u2019re taking the bus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Check your tyre pressure and tread depth<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your car\u2019s tyres have to put up with a lot of harsh treatment, even if you drive it entirely within a city with excellent roads. The pressure and friction of driving causes tyres to lose their tread over time, plus the pressure will gradually drop and fall below safe levels if you don\u2019t check it regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to check both the pressure and tread of your tyres often during winter. If the tyres have deflated a little, use a tyre pump to get them back up to the right pressure. As for tread depth, this should be around 3mm during the winter months, as it helps them to effectively grip the surface even when there\u2019s snow, ice or hailstones on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean your headlights<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

December, January and February are very dark months, so it\u2019s crucial that your car remains visible in gloomy surroundings and also has the ability to highlight potential hazards ahead. This is easily achieved by keeping your headlights, indicators and rear reflectors clean at all times. In the process, check that all of the lights are working properly, as you\u2019ll be using them now more than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep a winter car kit in your vehicle<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carrying emergency items in your car throughout the year is very important, such as screen wash, warning triangles and jump leads. However, winter calls for even more precautions, which include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n